Now Commenting On:

Gonzalez, Wallace, Martinez on the mend

Brett Wallace flashed power in 2012 and figures to start '13 as Houston's first baseman, where he'll need to show production over potential

By Brian McTaggart
/
MLB.com |

KISSIMMEE, Fla. -- The Astros have had a relatively healthy camp, especially considering they're nearly six weeks in with one more remaining before they head to Houston. The three players dealing with nagging injuries were all on the mend Friday -- pitcher Edgar Gonzalez, infielder Brett Wallace and outfielder Fernando Martinez.

Gonzalez was struck on the back of his lower left leg by a line drive while pitching in a Triple-A game Thursday in Viera, Fla., and had to be removed after two innings. He was initially worried about the injury, but after treatment Friday morning, he felt much better.

"Yesterday was pretty bad," he said. "As soon as the ball hit me..." he continued, shaking his head. "There was pain, but before I got to bed the pain was going [away]. This morning, everything is good. I can walk and I don't even feel the pain. I feel like nothing happened."

Wallace was removed from Thursday night's game in Lakeland, Fla., for precautionary reasons after pinching a nerve in his neck/upper back while diving back to first base in the first inning. When he showed up at his locker Friday, he said he had no issues.

Martinez, meanwhile, hasn't played in several days because of tightness in his lower back. He took batting practice on Thursday and is hoping to get into a game this weekend. He's hitting .333 with one homer and five RBIs in 24 at-bats this spring.